10 Fashion Trends that Look Amazing on Women 50+

Fashion Trends:  Love them or hate them, we seem to wonder what the fashion industry identifies as trending fashion and beauty each year.  Some years are exciting-lots of great silhouettes, beautiful fabrics and dazzling color combinations.  Other years are disappointing.  This year, as I combed the internet for fall and winter fashion trends I found that I liked many more trends than I though I would. I found ten that I love and think will be will be perfect for older women.  If nothing else, this is a great start for your own fashion trends research.

As a woman 50+ I find myself in a unique spot: most trends are designed for younger women and a high percentage of the trends don’t flatter even the women to whom they are targeted. As I peruse fashion magazines and online sources when the trends start showing up, I look not only at the trend itself and whether it is interesting, I also look at whether I think it will suit me and other mature women. As older women, if we want to look chic, we have to be conscious of our body type. Naturally, the fashion trends we gravitate toward have a lot to do with our own personal style, I look at trends from the same perspective.

I am a lover of classic styles so when I saw sweater vests, beautiful tailoring, and dark denim on the list, I was excited—these were things I was hoping to add to my wardrobe anyway so there will be many lovely pieces to choose from.  I almost bought another pair of knee high boots last year—this year we can expect to see more. I love adding a few trends to my overall classic wardrobe to create a modern style. It’s so easy for classic to go stuffy or dated-we are going for fashion icon here LOL!

I decided to break down the trends into the following categories: Yes Please! Which speaks for itself, “No Way” which, again speaks for itself and Ho Hum, which are “fashion trends” that haven’t really come in or gone like the little black dress. In this case the fashion industry and designers really mean little, but we can still get away with our own version of LBD. The point being, the little black dress never goes out of style–which makes declaring the LBD a fashion trend a bit, well, ho hum. If you like the silhouette of this year’s version, be sure to pick one up. Otherwise, your favorite LBD will be just fine. The good news is that the Ho Hum items are in our closets already, which means we can work with what we have, and from what I hear, this is what many people are doing anyway. Shopping your own closet is yet another trend and a great place to start each season.

Let’s get on with what you came here for:

Shop this Look: Here I’ve put together a very affordable version of the sweater vest trend, with this cute houndstooth vest, a pair of Levi Wedgie jeans, a T-shirt which is longer than the sweater vest so it doesn’t cut you off in the wrong spot and a super cute quilted crossbody bag. The best thing about this look is that you may already have much of this in your wardrobe.

Sweater vest https://rstyle.me/+zaqIkgmUBaXu0QFWbyenAw

Levi Wedgie Jean Dark Denim https://rstyle.me/+U-5tGogG-EvfVfALly86Ig

Ava T-Shirt https://rstyle.me/+U-5tGogG-EvfVfALly86Ig

Sam Edelman Poppy Sneaker https://rstyle.me/+lLixw12NVKz5i4awNxhCGg

Micro Metro Bag https://rstyle.me/+lLixw12NVKz5i4awNxhCGg

Yes Please

These are the fashion trends that I am actually excited about. I will be looking for items in this category to compliment my existing wardrobe. I may not get the whole look-that tends to scream “fashion victim” that’s why I look to blend the new pieces into my wardrobe rather than creating stand alone outfits.

Tailored Looks:  Men’s wear inspired pants suits with vests, oversized blazers and beautifully draped trousers are going to be popular this year.  The design houses are showing them in beautifully draped fabrics with a slightly relaxed vibe.  If I worked outside the home, I would definitely be wearing suits like this.  However, for fall and winter, I will be looking to incorporate single pieces in my wardrobe, for example, I would mix a gorgeous jacket with a pair of jeans rather than wearing it head to toe.  Florida is very laid back, especially where I live.  Part of deciding what trends you want to incorporate has to do with what will be comfortable where you live. When choosing fit, remember it’s slightly slouchy, not baggy- that will only make us look sloppy.

Sweater Vests:  Sweater vests are super easy to incorporate into one’s wardrobe and you don’t have to break the bank to add a sweater vest to your collection.  They can be belted, worn as a tunic or a little cropped number can be worn with high waisted jeans or pants.  This definitely brings back the 1970’s to me, only these vests are a bit more relaxed.

Dark Denim:  Dark denim is my jam, it elongates the leg, slims, and  are just a little more elegant that lighter jeans.  We will also be seeing a variety of silhouettes though skinny jeans are not completely out of fashion yet. I am ready for the new styles, including high rise denim or mom jeans. With the right fit, dark blue jeans are great for older women. In addition to playing with dark denim, you may want to consider styling them with tennis shoes to get that care free fashion icon type look.

Knee High Boots:  Boots and shoes look good on women of all ages, so finding styles you love and feel comfortable wearing is the only constraint a woman over 50 will need to consider. Last year I added a pair of suede knee high boots to my collection, this year I plan to add pair in embossed leather.  A girl can never have too many boots or shoes, and one should have a full range of boot heights!  So, yes to knee high boots. This year they are a little more fitted than last year’s stove pipe styles.  I plan to find something in the middle that can be worn for many seasons. I love stylish boots and a trench coat for fall. It’s the perfect choice.

Colorful Leather:  Saturated color is another trend we will be seeing this season—in fact a lot of this year’s trend story centers around color.  But colored leather—that’s something to consider as an accent piece for your wardrobe.  I’ve often spoken of those accent splurges that piece you love because of it’s cut and color.  It’s that item you love whether it’s on trend or not.  I would encourage you to look at this season’s leather to see whether you can score yourself a perfect signature piece.

Print Tights:  This will be on both my Yes Please and No Way lists.  I saw some gorgeous stockings I would wear in a heart beat, but I also saw heavily printed leggings that would be on my no way list.  I suspect that we will be seeing this trend in gyms and malls as I’m probably the only woman who prefers black or dark leggings.

Cut Outs are also on my yes please and no way lists.  Clearly cutouts can be chic and elegant, but in the wrong place, or if our figure isn’t just perfect, they would probably be better passed on.  I love cut out details at the shoulders and decollate, but would avoid cutouts anywhere I am soft or lumpy.

Roaring Twenties Redux:  Twenties flapper details for evening wear will be all the rage for this year’s party season and I can’t wait.  Luxe fabrics, lots of simple, and elegant silhouettes are right up my alley.  It sort of surprises me that we didn’t see this trend in 2020.  No one would have worn it, given the fact that we were mostly at home.  In any event, I will be rocking this style in evening wear and for date night outfits.

Midi Lengths:  Aside from the “little” black dress trend, see below, midi lengths rule the runway.  I couldn’t be happier.  I love the midi length—it flatters many figures, and looks so elegant.  It is also elongating, slimming and elegant.  I think I’ve said elegant enough for us to do a drinking game.  I guess I’m excited that a smattering of elegance is making it’s way back into our consciousness.  

Shop this Look: I love this denim dress-its so versatile! I’m grabbing these knee high boots that would look good with so many other midi dresses and jeans. What better to add a little attitude to the look than a pair of moderately priced sunglasses.

Denim Dress https://rstyle.me/+JBgFuOh30tXvd_bHas_gCg

Knee high boot https://rstyle.me/+i7O2w7cCkCQ6wMjAxu3yCA

Belt Bag https://rstyle.me/+4vO5NRPXI7OFFQlOmM2h4g

Sunglasses https://rstyle.me/+Z5ln3dgoFmjxzIxv-HDE0Q

Nars Blush trio https://rstyle.me/+Oyd2w5DSYCfkUjVTfL9v-Q

No Way

My “No Way” list is simply my personal opinion and if you love these items you should definitely purchase them and enjoy.  That’s what style is all about after all, we should put together outfits that suit our sense of ourselves.  The things that make my “no way” list are usually exaggerated, garish, or scruffy. I have seen women take pieces I hate and make them into fabulous outfits so, again, this is just my opinion.

Padded sandals:  Anything that is exaggerated is well, a statement, and you have to decide whether big padded sandals are the statement you want to make.  I personally don’t find them flattering in any way.  They are probably comfortable, and if you have that street style vibe, they might be a perfect addition to your wardrobe.

Acid washed jeans:  This is where I know some of you will differ with me, because ripped jeans along with acid washed denim have a really cool vibe-a vibe I don’t do well but other women look super chic in these types of jeans.  If you are going for a casual modern vibe, definitely jump on this trend.  If you are more of a classic or, dare I say elegant person, acid washed jeans should probably be passed on.

Quilted anything:  We all know what quilting does.  It makes us look bigger.  I’m not sure I need to say more on this.

Lime green:  Saturated and bold colors are the rage as I stated above when talking about colored leather.  Lime green, citrus yellows, mustards — all are very difficult to wear.  But if you can, and want to—you should. Also look for unusual color combinations-if you love adding color to your wardrobe. Speaking of color trends, when a color I love comes into vogue I make sure I snap up as much of my favorite color as I can. There are certainly years where I don’t like the colors and this way I build a wardrobe that flatters me. The colors we choose, as well as the silhouettes become our signature style.

Cropped tops: Confession, I have a crop top. It actually looks good with my high waist wide leg pants.  BUT, I feel like I’m constantly tugging at it and as cute as it is, I don’t like my abdomen getting cold.  I do like the look, and have one outfit with a cropped top which I wear frequently but I don’t think I am going to purchase another.   So I’m going to leave this up to you.  

Bold Patterns-when we talk about pattern here, we are talking about those geometric patterns in saturated colors.  The kind that when you look at them you are afraid you are going to spin out or are being hypnotized.  I’m not fond of wearing nor looking at things like that.  Also on the pattern front is calico.  Cute calico.  I’m not sure about it-I might have to try on an outfit or two to decide.  And here’s a tip.  If you aren’t sure why not just try it out?  You never know, it might be a new favorite.

Shop this Look: I loved this version of the green trend, and the handbag! OMG! It’s often difficult to find shoes but these sling backs in Metalic are the perfect addition. This elegant look will take you through the seasons and the color iss a little bit unexpected-which I love.

Silk Satin Midi Dress https://rstyle.me/+0fMiloYEgXSnEYsGFNuUqQ

Metalic Sandals https://rstyle.me/+n8ebsjmGPspEuMiApo6d_Q

Beaded shoulder bag https://rstyle.me/+UkV9lX4hcq_Z2MIq0B789g

Ho Hum

The fashion Gods have smiled on us—or are at least giving us a break—Several of this year’s fall and winter trends can be found in our closets already.  I called this category ho hum because while I like most of these things, it just feels like we’ve been here again and again.  I guess I wanted more excitement.  But maybe it’s nice to get out some of your older pieces that haven’t been worn in a while.  

Leopard print coats:  This animal print never really went out of fashion did it?  If you have a leopard print coat in your wardrobe, dust it off, it’s back in style.  This season we are seeing the longer “car coat” length.  I like this look and don’t have a longer length leopard print coat, so maybe I will go for it.  Animal print is fun, and most older women enjoy the look. I have a leopard print coat in car length coat on my list-it may replace my leather jacket.

Little black dress:  I mentioned this above, we all have them—this season’s version is shorter in length than our age group might want to wear, but I’m sure that if yours is a little longer or you want to wear a shorter dress it will look great.  You can’t really go wrong with a little black dress, it’s a classic look. Older women can often sneak into shorter dresses by wearing a dark and thicker stocking so if you are tempted by a shorter Little black dress, try dark stockings with it.

Puffer Jackets and coats:  People up north all have puffer jackets and coats.  I don’t know what is new about this.  They are a necessity in cold climates.  I guess now you have the added confidence in knowing you are in high style. If you are in need of a new puffer jacket or coat, check out the new silhouettes for a fresh look. Earth tones and deeper colors in puffer jackets are really popular this season.

Glitter and sequins:  What holiday season has gone through without glitter, sequins and things that shine?  If you can think of a time, let me know in the comment section below.  We always find glitter and sequins on tap for special occasions. This season, I’m going for the 1920’s inspired looks-sure they will have a bit of bling, but at least we haven’t seen the flapper silhouette in a while.  It sparks my imagination more than most of what I saw.  We all have glitter and sequins in our closets they have even made their way into casual wear.  I wanted a fresh look this season. Just sayin’

So my friends, this wraps up our fall winter 2021 trends, and which I think will work best for women over 50.  I hope this will help as you choose new pieces for your wardrobe that accentuate your best features. I encourage you to try things out, play and continue to develop your fashion sense.